Art, Guns and Fudge

African Diorama. Trip Advisor photo.

Growing up with folks who hunt and fish, I should have understood the excitement when Cabela’s Outfitters announced the opening of their store in the mountains of Hamburg, Pa. in 2003.

I did not.

I also didn’t understand why the Nevada artist Paul Manktelow lived at our hotel for almost 3 months while hand-painting the murals at the 250,000 square ft. store.

When I made Cabela’s part of my Wednesday walking routine, I understood.

It has been called a “High Temple of Taxidermy”, proudly displaying trophies from local and international  hunters.

As one who always espoused the “Run, Bambi, Run” school of thought, I was a bit freaked out at first, especially walking through the Deer Country exhibit. These beautiful animals roam the woods very near my home.

But the artistry is amazing, particularly the Manktelow wall murals.

The African diorama shown goes well into the 3-story ceiling, almost too massive to photograph.

As with the polar exhibit, animals are featured in lifelike poses.

The store also features a 55,000 gallon walk-through aquarium with local aquatic life, an interactive shooting gallery, a gun library with antique firearms, a cafeteria that serves game meat entrees, extensive camping gear, clothing, shoes, and a favorite for me..the homemade fudge shop.

The longest lines are, no doubt, for the sale of guns and ammunition. I walk through that area, and don’t make much eye contact. Not a fan.

As a tourist attraction, it has drawn restaurants, hotels, hardware stores, Walmart, etc. to a mostly rural community; an economic boom for this area just off a major interstate highway.

For me, it is just a fascinating walk.

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